Debunking the rumors the swirled after the April 27 tornado

While people were found dead in the areas surrounding both shopping centers, including Forest Lake, Cedar Crest and the neighborhoods near Wood Square, no one was found on the roofs of Midtown or University Mall, according to Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service EMS Chief Travis Parker. Update: This rumor is getting a second life with the publication of a story in Sports Illustrated that claims there were bodies on the roof of the mall: “Not knowing where to go, Arenas… Read More »

True or false: False The bodies of storm victims were taken to a temporary disaster trailer stationed at Holt Elementary the night of the tornado, but were then transported to the morgue at the VA Medical Center that night. Bodies were also kept at the morgue at DCH Regional Medical Center as well as at the morgue set up at the VA. Authorities have confirmed 41 bodies were found and identified in Tuscaloosa in the wake of the tornado, with… Read More »

True or false: Likely false The rumor appears to be a variation of several similar ones, involving a dog from Tuscaloosa that fell out of the sky into Jefferson County, alive and well, or a child that survived the tornado by hiding in a refrigerator. There is no verifiable evidence that this actually happened, nor has any credible source confirmed it. Like the dog rumor, this one is likely to be untrue, given the amount of debris that gets thrown… Read More »

True or false: False This rumor started online, likely outside the state, since anyone actually in Tuscaloosa would be able to verify for themselves that it isn’t true. While the university had several trees downed and lost power for a few hours, the campus itself did not sustain any serious damage.

True or False: False According to an e-mail sent by Patricia Collins, Senior Director of Governmental Affairs for the Comcast Delta Area, “There is no charge for exchanging damaged equipment. Customers who have lost converter boxes, cable modems or other equipment should contact us to let us know the equipment cannot be recovered. Standard Comcast policy for lost or stolen equipment requires a police report and/or insurance claim to be filed. However, due to the extreme nature of this incident,… Read More »

True or false: False The home of former Mayor Al Dupont was “a total loss,” DuPont said, but he was out of town at the time and was not hurt. In fact, he’s been helping in the tornado recovery and was at City Hall and the Tuscaloosa News offices last week to report that he was alive and well.

True or false: True Tuscaloosa Police Chief Steve Anderson has said residents are subject to arrest for violating the 10 p.m. curfew in affected areas of the city even if their residence is within the zone. The punishment for criminal trespassing is up to six months in jail and/ or a fine of up to $500. “If your house is gone and you’re just hanging out in the area, we’re not going to allow you to do that,” Anderson said.… Read More »

True or false: So far, false While Westboro Baptist Church has made a habit of inappropriate protests at the funerals of soldiers, among others, there is no indication they are planning to come to Tuscaloosa or anywhere in Alabama to protest a tornado victim’s funeral. Their public picket schedule has no appearances in Alabama for the month of May. That hasn’t stopped the Alabama legislature from making sure they stay away, if church members do decide to come to the… Read More »

True or false: Unlikely to be true. There is no plausible evidence that this actually happened. One local veterinarian said getting sucked into a tornado would likely kill a dog, given the amount of debris whipping around. Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue EMS Chief Travis Parker said an animal’s lungs would be sucked out of its body by the force of a tornado.

True or false: False Gordo Police Chief Todd Hall was not killed in the tornado, and in fact talked with a Tuscaloosa News reporter Thursday to say he was assisting in the recovery efforts in Tuscaloosa and is alive and well.

About This Blog

Welcome to The Tuscaloosa News staff blog on tornado rumors as recovery efforts continue in the city following the devastating tornado on April 27, 2011. Here you will be able to find out whether reports filling the cyberwaves are true or false. For questions, or if you have heard rumors you wish to pass along for investigation, email online@tuscaloosanews.com.